Robert Langager

RETSIL, WA - Robert Lee Langager died peacefully in his sleep from Acute Myeloid Leukemia at the Washington Veterans Home in Retsil, Washington.  Bob was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Oscar Langager and Estelle Shearer Langager.  He enlisted in the Navy when he was just 17 years old.  He served during WWII on the USS LSM 361, a supply ship in the South Pacific.  During that time his step-father adopted him and he changed his name to Robert Lee Harris. He married Barbara Nelson in 1947 in Minneapolis.  They had one son, Mark Robert Harris.  Bob and Barbara were married for two years.  Bob married Shirley Finley in The Dalles, Oregon in 1950.  They had four children, Robert Harris Jr., Jerry Harris, Terry Harris and Tammy (Ken) Starry.   Bob and Shirley were married 22 years.  He then married Roberta “Bobbie” Riley in 1973.  They were married for 28 years.  Bob married Freda Kunard in 2006.  They were married until her death in 2007. After reconnecting with his birth father later in life, Bob changed his name back to Robert Lee Langager. Bob was a man who had many skills and vocations.  He had been a movie theater manager, forest worker, taxi driver, delivered cars for Hertz all around the USA, flagger for a road crew, construction worker, motel manager and minister.  Bob was most proud of being Chief of Police of Vernonia, Oregon.  He also supervised the food service at the Salvation Army for 15 years as well as volunteering at Meals on Wheels in Monmouth, Oregon for over 14 years. On March 1, 2008 Bob married Shirley Klassen.  Bob taught classes at the Monmouth Senior Center and also served as a Greeter.  This is where he met Shirley.  Bob and Shirley had three very happy years together.  In 2010 they moved up to the Washington Veterans Home in Retsil.  While there they were well taken care of by a caring and capable staff.  Shirley’s family, the Bruce Klassens & David Riddells, will be eternally grateful for the love and care Bob showed our Mother/Grandmother/Great-Grandmother.  He will be missed. Bob is survived by his wife, Shirley Klassen, his brother Vern Harris of Salem, Oregon, his children, grandchildren and extended family and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gerald Harris. Services will be held Wednesday, April 27th at 2:00p.m. at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.